Allies for Immigrants

The Allies for Immigrants program is a volunteer program run in partnership with English for New Bostonians. The program prepares volunteers to tutor adults in English or help them prepare for the citizenship exam. Allies for Immigrants addresses the dual reality that ESOL classes are a gateway to economic advancement, social engagement and citizenship, and a strategy for Boston’s workforce to be more equitable– yet our ESOL system cannot accommodate the need. In 2017, Boston Cares partnered with English for New Bostonians to boost citywide ESOL capacity via a network of well-trained volunteers. Since then, more than 600 volunteers have been trained to work with 2300+ ESOL students. Allies has proven critical to helping students gain skills and confidence and succeed with online learning with volunteers assisting with both in-person and virtual classes, and supporting conversation groups for small group practice. Allies for Immigrants tutors are part of a network of volunteers who share a passion for enhancing English skills for adult learners. Volunteers must be 18 years or older to serve as a tutor. No previous experience is necessary. Tutors pick one site to serve at twice a month for the foreseeable future. They tutor adult learners in various roles which can include: one-on-one, small group leader, conversation group leader, or citizenship tutor. SITES WE PARTNER WITH: ABCD Roslindale, Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC), Education Development Group, English for New Bostonians , Julie’s Family Learning Program, JPCC Adult Learning Program, and St. Mark’s Community Education Program.

ESOL